Coding is this generation’s second language. Just teachers encouraged Generation X and Y students to take Spanish, French, or Mandarin, millennials should learn to code. This will provide them with an opportunity to join the global community through the Internet of Things (IoT). Coding will allow your student to dive into a world of smart cars, smart cities, and industrial networking! Explore these platforms as a way to get kids into coding.
Vidcode
Vidcode is a fun coding curriculum that acts as a tool to teach children and teens the basics of coding. Vidcode offers a complete curriculum for grades 3-12. This program approaches coding through creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on cross-disciplinary application of coding. Each lesson is digestible to children and teachers. Vidcode wants lessons to be a collaborative task for either teachers and students or parents and children.
Minecraft for Education
Use the power of video gaming to teach your children a skill that can set them on a successful career path. As one of the most popular gaming platforms, Minecraft developers are using their game’s popularity to teach children the power of coding. Minecraft education edition uses a code builder that allows students to work in groups or individually to create amazing Minecraft characters and environments. Let your student’s imagination run wild while learning a new skill.
App Inventor
MIT is known for producing some of the world’s most renown names in science and technology. As such, it makes sense that they’re taking the lead in helping to point future technologist in the right direction. App Inventor is an all-inclusive program that includes methods, coding elements, and functionality. Students can learn to build Android apps right from a web browser. App Inventor is not curriculum-based like some other programs and is probably better suited for older children.
Codecademy
Codecademy is quickly becoming one of the best interactive online tools to learn coding fundamentals. Codecademy teaches the bases of some of the most utilized languages, including Ruby, PHP, jQuery, Python, JavaScript, and more. One of Codecademy’s greatest features is the ability to work in split-screen. This allows users to see an immediate response to the code they are typing. Learners can catch mistakes as they happen and correct them before they become habits.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is an interactive online tool that teaches the coding fundamentals using JavaScript. Khan Academy has a learning structure that is best for middle-grade students and above. This platform uses creative games and animations to help learners grasp the basics of computer programing. Users can even learn how to create webpages using HTML and CSS. Plus, Khan Academy allows learners to share their creation with other friends or students to make each project collaborative.
